Olives are a healthy and nutritious food, and many of us are quite fond of this delicacy. We all know that the food cooked with olive oil tastes excellent, and with its outstanding nutritional value, how should we consume it for optimal health and nutrition? Let Victoria guide you on how to enjoy olive oil in a healthier and more nutritious way.

Different types of cooking oils contain either "saturated fatty acids" or "unsaturated fatty acids." Saturated fatty acids are the bad guys, as they can raise blood cholesterol levels and harden arteries; conversely, unsaturated fatty acids have the opposite effect, lowering cholesterol and protecting blood vessels. The reason animal fats are not recommended is due to their harmful saturated fatty acids. The goodness of olive oil lies in the fact that it not only lacks saturated fatty acids but also contains a rich supply of unsaturated fatty acids.

But as with everything, there's a flip side. When "unsaturated fatty acids" are heated, their unsaturated bonds are hydrogenated, transforming into the more familiar "trans fats," commonly referred to as "vegetable shortening." Trans fats were also a significant scientific achievement in the past, as the pastries made with them were not only rich in flavor but also had a longer shelf life.

However, as people have gradually discovered, consuming "trans fats" regularly can have a greater impact on cardiovascular health than "saturated fats." In other words, this "vegetable shortening" poses more harm to the body than real butter! Long-term consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Olive oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, loses its benefits when heated or used for frying and stir-frying, as these unsaturated fatty acids quickly "defect," producing harmful trans fats. This is why, despite the high saturated fat content in palm oil, industries like instant noodles and fast-food chains specializing in fried chicken, such as KFC, opt for palm oil over olive oil. Saturated fats are relatively stable and less prone to "defecting" into trans fats. Therefore, while olive oil is highly nutritious, it's important to be cautious when consuming it, especially regarding cooking methods. The most suitable way to enjoy olive oil is through salads. If used for hot cooking, it can lead to various issues, so it's best to avoid this scenario.

Here's the information we've provided regarding olive oil. We've highlighted the numerous benefits of consuming olive oil. However, it's crucial to pay attention to how it's used. As previously mentioned, olive oil is particularly well-suited for cold dishes, so we should avoid using it in stir-fries.